More details have emerged over the planned introduction of resident parking zones in Bristol.
The city council is planning to introduce more permit areas to clamp down on commuters parking on residential streets. These could also discourage households from owning multiple cars. An update was given to councillors on October 23.
New zones will start to be rolled out in next year and early 2027, with Ashton Gate, Westbury, Luckwell Road, Parson Street, Totterdown and Windmill Hill first in line. Then later on in 2027 and in early 2028, new zones will include Ashley Down, Ashton Vale, Bishopston, Henleaze, Malago Vale, Perrett’s Park, St Andrews, upper Easton, and east Totterdown.
There is also potential for new zones to be developed, depending on demand. St Werburghs could be developed from 2028 too. Creating the new zones will cost £7.5 million, with two thirds of this coming from the Clean Air Zone charges income.
Labour suggested that the £5 million of Clean Air Zone funding would be better spent on improving the buses. Some money has already been spent on new bus routes and for existing routes to run overnight. This extra £5 m would go a long way too.
Resident parking zones were introduced in Bristol more than a decade ago. Then in 2016, the newly elected Labour mayor Marvin Rees paused their roll-out and none have come in since.
But Greens said the permits are popular. Green Cllr Emma Edwards added: “Eight years of Labour and they didn’t put a single one in, even though so many people have said that they want this. them,
“I would love this to go quicker. It’s a shame it’s not, because I think some areas are going to struggle for a while. People park in them, they get the train, bus or e-scooter in, and they’re using it as free car parking spaces.”
The cost of a permit varies in different parts of Bristol, with the majority costing £124 a year for a first car. A permit for a second vehicle costs £224 a year, while a permit for a third vehicle costs £560 a year.
By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service